Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks, joined the company when they had 28 stores and grew that number to over 15,000 during his tenure. A successful leader, speaker, author and mentor, Howard is best known for his generosity and integrity. Hear how Howard influenced the growth of Starbucks, his tips on how to be a servant leader + why leading with values is the best recipe for success. Rewatch the livestream on Facebook or YouTube SHOW NOTES: At  15 years old, Howard's father left his family in Bulgaria to immigrant to Seattle where he saved his money from pushing carts in Pike Place Market to open a small grocery store. Not everything we do in life do you need to be paid for. By not charging a struggling family for strawberries, Howard's father taught him a valuable lesson that influenced how Howard began his work at Starbucks. Dreaming of the benefits he'd offer employees if he owned a company, Howard noticed how in sync they were with Howard Schultz, recognized as the modern-day founder of Starbucks. Be one of the most well-known and respected organizations in the world known for nurturing + inspiring the human spirit. While a young professor at Stanford, Jim Collins joined to develop Starbucks iconic mission statement.  Howard Behar's 6 Ps: Purpose, Passion, Persistence, Patience, Performance and People “The person who sweeps the floor should pick the broom.“ “The enemy of life …. is indifference.” Get a copy of Howard Behar's bestselling books It's Not About the Coffee and The Magic Cup. Did you know the Live Inspired Podcast has nearly 5 million (!!!) downloads? Tune into the most downloaded episodes in 2021 featuring the inspiring stories of comic Sebastian Maniscalco, Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, ABC New’s Paula Faris and more here! HOWARD BEHAR'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Be less serious. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My photographs. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Desmond Tutu. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? You're capable. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Figure out who you are early. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He set out to nature + inspire the human spirit and guess what he did.

From shaming and shunning to mocking and ridiculing, it’s stunning how many relationships have been damaged amongst people with opposing political views in recent years. To begin healing and finding meaningful ways to move forward together, we’ve invited Apolitical unification expert Peter Montoya to join us. First, Peter shares the facts and landscape for what has led us to the growing divide. Then, he offers practical strategies to improve your relationships now. Today's conversation is a reminder that real change starts within each of us. Only then can our communities, nation and, ultimately, our world change. It starts with us. SHOW NOTES: One third of Americans believe we’re headed towards a second Civil War. Peter describes this current season of divisiveness and polarization as a “cold” social war, unlike the Civil War in the 1860s. During the global pandemic the usual large national events of sporting champions, awards shows that rallied us together were missing, causing politics to become a way of life. Turn off the 24-hour news: In the mid-1990s, a shift occurred when news organizations began to sensualize stories to draw a larger audience to sell more advertising. While it’s our innate desire to keep ourselves + our tribe safe by staying well informed, constant access to too much information too often is harmful to our mental health + well-being including increased stress + anxiety. “Propaganda is a monologue that is not looking for an answer but an echo.” Peter mentions that elected officials have become psychologic + symbolic avatars of status and representing the “good” team. Cancel culture or mob character assassination is when groups rally together in disapproval to take away their influence, power or position. Virtue signaling, the public expression of a moral viewpoint with the intent of communicating one's own good character, is often viewed as insincere yet Peter believes it’s our basic instinct to belong. People debate to figure out who is right. People discuss to find out what is right. When with a good thought-partner with differing opinions, Peter discusses ideas or policies under the mutual understanding that there isn’t a “winner” and each are not trying to change the other’s mind. Attack ideas, not people. Instead of demonizing others for their differing creed, belief or opinion, focus on developing a relationship built on empathy and understanding. “Intolerance is to stand alone. Tolerance is to stumble separately and inclusion is to walk together.” Solutions to implement to make our lives better and heal our nation: Treat your phone like a toothbrush: Use it briefly and only as a utility. Scroll less, read more: retrain your brain to consume long-form writing Be more mindful, less reactional Play a different game: Don’t be a pawn on someone else’s chess board. Be a true Patriot: small sacrifices to benefit others. Pre-order a copy of Peter Montoya’s book The Second Civil War here.

In the midst of managing the complexities of life, what we often need most is a reminder that there is reason for hope. Today, John shares a much-needed reminder from someone who may have needed it even more than him. If you have challenges, this reminder will help you prosper and see the good to come. Learn more about resilience, faith, courage, redemption, family, love and life from John's mom, Susan O'Leary here.

Former Navy fighter pilot Captain Charlie Plumb is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Scheduled to be his 75th and final mission in Vietnam, Charlie's F-4 Phantom Jet was shot down + captured. He'd spend the next 2,103 days isolated + tortured in North Vietnamese Prisoner of War camps. Four years ago I had the honor of having Charlie on the show + during our conversation, he deeply moved me when he attributed his survival to his faith and ability to forgive. Today, I’m sharing a fresh cut of this episode with you because the lessons within it have never been more relevant: Purpose provides the strength to endure the unthinkable  Appreciating the value of challenge No matter how your 2021 has looked so far, Charlie’s story will remind you that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning The POWs held captive the longest came back with a lower rate of PTSD because great leadership unified us under a mission statement: Return with honor. Charlie mentions past guest Michaela Haas and how we can actually cultivate resilience through post traumatic grown. Learn more on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 4 here. Against therapists advice, Charlie was never bitter about his first wife filing for divorce without his knowledge and instead chose to appreciate how it fueled his hope to survive. Captain Charlie Plumb's advice for those who feel imprisoned: Look at the value of challenge. Adversity is a horrible thing to waste. Take a risk + get outside your comfort zone. Build a community of support. My conversation with Captain Charlie Plumb first aired in May 2017. Listen to that here.  

According to Kaiser Family Foundation, about 40% of Americans have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, a 30% increase from 2019. Today, I revisit my most popular episode to date: My conversation with Mel Robbins. Mel’s proven + simple strategy interrupts negative thought patterns so you can win the mental game and experience the joy + opportunity life has to offer now. As one the most-booked female speakers in the world and author of international bestselling book The 5 Second Rule, Mel educates, entertains and empowers others to live inspired. If you or someone you love is experiencing anxiety, fear, worry, self-doubt or overwhelm, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: "There is a very distinct gap between your instincts and impulse that will change your life and the excuses that stop you... and that gap is about five seconds long." The way that you change your life and discover the power inside you is you develop the clarity to hear what is inside you and develop the skill of courage. Everything is changing around us. You can’t control that. You can control what you think and do. Respond instead of react.   My conversation with Mel Robbins first aired in June 2018. Listen to that here, then check out the Most Popular Episodes playlist including Mel, Grammy winner Lauren Daigle, HGTV's Erin + Ben Napier and more here. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

As vacation season is upon us, it might be worth considering what a truly perfect one looks like. While the places we go and the people we meet certainly matter, what matters even more is often less noteworthy and perhaps more important. The most remarkable of vacations are the ones where you are fully present with the ones you love most. Today, I share the lesson my son taught me of the real magic of vacation.

Despite no music or vocal training, Todd Tilghman made it through NBC’s The Voice blind audition (with all four celebrity judges vying to coach him!) and went on to win season 18, becoming the oldest winner in show history. Drawn to his tremendous joy onstage, fans gravitated to his much-needed inspiration when facing challenges. Today, Todd shares how decades of unrelenting challenges in marriage, international adoption + career changes have brought him perspective and reminded him to celebrate the small steps along the way in achieving goals. Join us to hear the lessons Todd has learned and the strategies that continue to move him toward ever-present joy. SHOW NOTES: Grow Old With Me: Todd shares meeting his wife of two decades Brooke, the challenges early in their marriage and mending their relationship when it was seemingly broken beyond repair. “If love is all about you, it is not love.” Inspired from 2 Corinthians 4:17, Todd wrote in his journal, “your suffering is not forever and your suffering is not for nothing,” providing him beautiful and remarkable perspective on life. Around 2017, Todd was compelled to step away as lead pastor and explore other avenues, leading to auditioning for NBC’s hit singing competition The Voice.   Award-winning judges Blake Shelton, John Legend, Nick Jonas and Kelly Clarkson all vied for Todd during blind auditions. “On paper, our lives look very full but hardly remarkable unless you look for the small wins. Huge achievements get noticed but if Brooke and I had waited around to find joy until we got the big win we would have missed out on the amazing life we’ve lived.” Get a copy of Todd + Brooke Tilghman’s book Every Little Win here. TODD TILGHMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? Aside from the Bible, the series The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Faith. When you’re a kid you believe anything is possible. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Either a photo album or a laptop with the photos on them. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My Granny. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? "On a grand scale and on a small scale, you’re not going to agree with everyone but that doesn’t mean they are any less deserving of the fullness of your love and respect." What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Believe in yourself and go for it earlier. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Todd loves you. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

"Love is the fuel that overcomes the fear of penalty; moves the obligation of duty into opportunity to serve; is energizing and never ends." – Edie Varley   Love allows us to rise above our challenges – and it empowers us to help others rise above theirs, too.In honor of Father's Day, I share a remarkable story of a father exemplifying the one thing needed to overcome adversity. Today, let’s focus less on the challenges we face. Let’s focus more on celebrating what the opportunities we possess, those marching with us and the remarkable chance to be part of this orchestra of life.   [The essay shared on today's episode was first shared on USA Today.]

Rosie Rivera is one of the most influential and inspirational Latinas in the world. As the bestselling author of God is Your Defender, an international speaker and co-host of marriage podcast The Power of Us, Rosie uses her voice to give hope to fellow survivors of sexual abuse. Today, Rosie shares her painful journey and how she found serenity including: the tragic loss of her beloved sister, internationally acclaimed singer Jenni Rivera the trauma of being sexually abused as a child finding peace in surrendering pain This conversation will empower you to face life’s minor or most hurtful situations with courage, compassion + perseverance. SHOW NOTES: As a family of eight living in a two-bed one-bath home, Rosie didn’t recognize how poverty-stricken until she was blessed later in life. Jenni Rivera is known as the most important female figure and top selling female artist in Regional Mexican music, and the first to sell out Los Angeles’ Staple Center. Robbed of her voice: At nine, and overcome with anger, Rosie confronted the family member that was being sexually abusive. At 16, Rosie refused to remain silent and took action. “For 18 years I battled a trauma and depression because of that sexual abuse. Once I was healed I was also set free and I wanted to share that hope with all survivors so I began speaking to anyone that would listen.” “One of the biggest weapons an abuser can have is our silence.” Rosie empowers her three children to know the value + beauty of their bodies and fosters strong avenues of communication. Healing is your responsibility: After 18 years of seeking revenge, Rosie found herself living in anger. Before surrendering the pain, Rosie stresses the importance of validating the emotions. After Jenni’s tragic death and the difficult aftermath, Rosie had to vulnerably share her brokenness with her new husband Abel which strengthened their respect for each other. When faced with adversity, Rosie has trust that God works in his own time. “Dream little girl dreams.” Get a copy of Rosie Rivera’s God is Your Defender here. Life after trauma: Whether divorce, bankruptcy, natural disaster or anything in between — we’ve all faced trauma. Expert psychologist Dr. Laurie Nadel shares proven techniques to find healing on ep. 91.   ROSIE RIVERA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? Other than the Bible, East of Eden by John Steinbeck. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? My ability to forgive quickly. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A folder with all our birth certificates, pictures, drawings, USBs with everything. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? I’d love to have one more conversation with my sister Jenni Rivera and ask her what emotions she had about my sexual abuse. She took care of me so well that I never realized how much it could have affected her. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “You could sit there and pity yourself. Or you can get off your butt and we can do something about it.” What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It gets better, there is truly a lot of people that love you but begin loving yourself first. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She was a bold woman of faith who loved well. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

Constant exposure to the often negative 24-hour news cycle can adversely influence our mental health and overall well-being. Today, I share an excerpt for my instant bestselling book IN AWE to ignite our wonder for life + the limitless possibility for our days ahead. Want to learn how to see the possibilities around every corner? Enjoy an 80% discount on the IN AWE ebook when you order through my publisher by this Wednesday, June 16th here.